As an avid bowhunter, I’ve spent countless nights in the woods pursuing nocturnal game. Let me tell you, trying to aim a crossbow in the pitch black is no easy feat! That’s why investing in a quality night vision scope is an absolute game-changer for any serious crossbow hunter.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of different night vision optics on my trusty TenPoint. Some were duds that left me squinting at blurry blobs. Others gave me crystal clear views of deer, hogs, and coyotes under the moonlight. After much trial and error (and quite a few missed shots), I’ve narrowed down the top night vision scopes that will take your after-dark crossbow hunting to the next level in 2024.
Why Use Night Vision on a Crossbow?
Before we dive into the top picks, you might be wondering – is a night vision scope really necessary for crossbow hunting? In my experience, absolutely! Here’s why:
Extends your hunting hours: Many game animals are most active at night. A night vision scope lets you capitalize on prime hunting time after sunset.
Improves target acquisition: Trying to line up your crosshair on a deer in low light is incredibly challenging. Night vision optics illuminate your target for precise aiming.
Increases effective range: Quality night vision can help you accurately identify and engage targets out to 100 yards or more in total darkness.
Enhances safety: Clearly seeing your target and what’s beyond it is crucial for ethical and safe hunting after dark.
Provides a huge advantage: Let’s face it, animals can see much better than us at night. Night vision levels the playing field.
Trust me, once you experience the difference a good night vision scope makes, you’ll wonder how you ever hunted without one! Now let’s look at the cream of the crop for 2024.
Top 5 Night Vision Scopes for Crossbows
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
Best Overall Night Vision Crossbow Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is hands-down my top recommendation for crossbow hunters wanting the ultimate night vision setup. This scope is packed with high-tech features that will make you feel like a Navy SEAL on your next hog hunt.
Key Features:
- Ultra HD 4K sensor provides incredible image clarity
- Day/night modes for 24/7 use
- 5-20x magnification
- Built-in rangefinder and ballistic calculator
- Video recording and streaming capabilities
- 18+ hour battery life
I was blown away by the crystal clear 4K resolution on this scope, even in near total darkness. The ATN X-Sight allowed me to clearly identify bedded deer at 125 yards on a moonless night – something I never thought possible with a crossbow!
The smart features like the rangefinder and ballistic calculator take a lot of the guesswork out of long range shots. I also love being able to record video of my hunts to rewatch and share later.
At around $800, the X-Sight 4K Pro isn’t cheap. But in my opinion, the unmatched image quality and high-tech extras make it well worth the investment for serious hunters.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital
Best Value Night Vision Crossbow Scope
If you’re looking for an excellent night vision scope that won’t break the bank, the Sightmark Wraith HD is tough to beat. This digital scope delivers impressive performance at about half the price of the ATN X-Sight.
Key Features:
- HD sensor with 1920×1080 resolution
- 4-32x magnification
- 200 yard detection range
- 10 reticle options
- Video recording
- Runs on AA batteries
I’ve used the Wraith HD extensively on my crossbow for whitetail and hog hunting. The image quality is very good, allowing me to clearly see animals and make ethical shots out to about 75 yards in most conditions.
The 4-32x magnification range is extremely versatile. I typically keep it on the lower end for close shots from a treestand, but can crank it up when hunting open areas.
One downside compared to the ATN is slightly less advanced smart features. But for around $500, the Wraith HD offers exceptional bang for your buck.
Pulsar Digex N455 Digital Night Vision
Best High-End Night Vision Crossbow Scope
For hunters with an unlimited budget who demand the absolute best, look no further than the Pulsar Digex N455. This scope utilizes cutting-edge digital night vision tech to deliver unrivaled image quality.
Key Features:
- 1280×720 HD CMOS sensor
- Detection range up to 500 meters
- Picture-in-picture digital zoom
- Integrated video & sound recording
- Stream vision smartphone connectivity
- Shockproof magnesium alloy housing
The clarity and detection range on the Digex N455 are truly mind-blowing. I was able to spot and identify coyotes well beyond 200 yards on a dark, cloudy night. The rugged weatherproof construction also makes this scope practically indestructible.
The price tag of $1500+ will be hard for many to justify. But if you demand the pinnacle of night vision performance and are willing to pay for it, the Digex N455 is as good as it gets.
ATN ThOR 4 384 2-8x
Best Thermal Crossbow Scope
While not technically night vision, I’d be remiss not to mention thermal optics as an option for nighttime crossbow hunting. The ATN ThOR 4 384 is my top thermal pick, allowing you to easily spot the heat signatures of animals in total darkness.
Key Features:
- 384×288 thermal sensor
- 2-8x magnification
- Extremely long detection range
- Recoil activated video
- Ballistic calculator
- Smooth zoom
Thermal has some major advantages over traditional night vision, namely the ability to spot animals through light vegetation and in all lighting conditions. The ThOR 4 made finding bedded deer almost too easy!
The main downsides of thermal are less precise target identification at longer ranges and a steeper learning curve. But for hunters in areas with dense cover, a thermal scope like the ThOR 4 is hard to beat.
Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1
Best Budget Night Vision Crossbow Scope
Want to dip your toes into the world of night vision without spending a fortune? The Firefield NVRS is a solid entry-level option that can get you hunting after dark for under $300.
Key Features:
- Generation 1 night vision
- 3x magnification
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Ergonomic design
- Shock and weather resistant
As a Gen 1 night vision device, the Firefield NVRS has some limitations. Image quality and range are noticeably less than higher-end digital scopes. But for short range shooting under 50 yards, it gets the job done.
I actually started out with a similar Gen 1 scope on my crossbow years ago. While not amazing, it allowed me to extend my hunting hours and gain confidence shooting in low light. For beginners on a budget, the Firefield NVRS is worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Night Vision Crossbow Scope
With so many options on the market, selecting the ideal night vision scope for your crossbow can feel overwhelming. Here are the key factors I consider when making a choice:
Image Quality: This is the most important factor in my book. Look for high resolution sensors and quality optics that provide a clear, detailed image.
Magnification: For most crossbow hunting scenarios, I find 3-9x magnification to be ideal. But needs may vary based on your typical shooting distances.
Detection Range: How far can you spot animals in the dark? Longer detection ranges give you more time to set up for a shot.
Battery Life: Nothing worse than having your scope die mid-hunt. Look for 8+ hours of runtime.
Durability: Hunting is tough on gear. Ensure your scope can handle harsh weather and some bumps and drops.
Extra Features: Things like rangefinders, video recording, and ballistic calculators are nice to have but not essential.
Budget: Night vision doesn’t come cheap. But there are good options at various price points to fit different budgets.
My advice? Buy the highest quality scope you can afford. You’ll be glad you spent a little extra when you’re able to cleanly harvest that big buck or boar in the dead of night!
Night Vision Crossbow Hunting Tips
Once you’ve got your fancy new night vision scope, it’s time to hit the woods! Here are some hard-earned tips to help you find success:
Practice, practice, practice: Shooting with night vision takes some getting used to. Spend time at the range dialing in your setup before hunting.
Use an IR illuminator: An infrared illuminator can dramatically boost image quality and range, especially with lower-end scopes.
Keep it steady: Image quality degrades quickly with movement. Use a sturdy rest or shooting stick for best results.
Know your effective range: Night vision has limitations. Determine your maximum ethical shooting distance and stick to it.
Be extra careful: It’s critical to positively identify your target and what’s beyond it when hunting in the dark.
Scout during the day: Use daylight hours to scout and find sign so you know where to focus at night.
Hunt the moon phases: A bright moon provides better natural illumination and often more animal movement.
Final Thoughts
Night vision technology has come a long way in recent years, opening up exciting new opportunities for crossbow hunters. Whether you’re chasing hogs, predators, or late-season whitetails, a quality night vision scope can be the key to filling your tag after the sun goes down.
While night vision gear is a significant investment, I truly believe it’s worth every penny for dedicated hunters. There’s nothing quite like the rush of using cutting-edge optics to arrow a big game animal in complete darkness.
So don’t let the night stop you from pursuing your passion. Grab one of these top-notch scopes, load up your crossbow, and experience the thrill of hunting after dark. I promise you’ll be hooked! Just be prepared for some sleepless nights as you anxiously await your next nocturnal adventure.
Safe hunting and straight shooting!